The holiday season is here, and that means we all have to start thinking about gift-giving. I know that most people think long and hard to be sure we’re giving good gifts. This can become an anxiety-provoking time for us. We want to give a nice gift—something that the person will love and cherish for years to come. At the very least, we want to give a gift that can be recycled if the recipient has no use for it. Everyone appreciates receiving a gift that's easy to recycle. One less gift to buy at this time of year might be the most appreciated gift of all!

Taking care of your hairdresser and/or colorist can definitely put you over the edge. We all know that hairdressers are the arbitrators of good taste and are also difficult to please. (Believe that one, and I will sell you the Brooklyn Bridge.) A good stylist makes your hair look great. They are skilled professionals. They are also quite human. This is the perfect time to acknowledge your appreciation of their hard work.

 Most will be grateful for any token of appreciation for their service to you throughout the year. I have received everything from homemade cookies to all expense paid exotic vacations. Everything is equally appreciated. It feels great to know that you have been recognized for your efforts. Your gift can be as simple as a few extra dollars in the tip envelope, a gift certificate at a favorite store, or a donation to a charity. It really is the thought that counts. Without a doubt, the best gift is booking your appointments for the next year. This is the gift your that will guarantee to make your stylist forever grateful.

Friday's Ambush Makeover was a big hit. The makeovers were Karen and Lori. Karen is a docent at the New York City Public Library who rollerblades or bikes to work every day. Lori is a computer expert whose hobby is racing high performance cars in and around Dallas, Texas. Both ladies have totally different lifestyles, but share a zest for life. Karen and Lori are so busy living life, they put their looks on hold. This made them the perfect candidates for makeovers.

Karen had brown hair with grey roots. She always wanted to be a redhead, but had olive skin. Red hair could make her skin more sallow. The solution was to keep her roots darker and the ends of her hair a brighter red. The depth at her roots was the key to make her new red hair works with her skin tone. More definite bangs and long layers gave her hair a full look she had never been able to achieve before.

Lori wanted to have a more sophisticated style. As a high-performance race car driver, this was never part of her life. She was the ultimate "low maintenance" woman. Arsen, a hairstylist from my New York salon, cut her hair into a chic layered bob, which immediately gave her an upscale look. I brightened her hair to a medium golden blond. This gave her an instant lift. Lori looked years younger and like she only shopped on Madison Avenue.

I love the "Ambush Makeover" on Fridays. It allows everyone to see that anyone can benefit from a good haircut, color, and makeup. You might not be born a great beauty, but with a few "quick fixes," you can be a guaranteed head turner.

Watch the Today show every Friday, and learn simple tips that can make big differences in your appearance. I'll see you every Friday at plaza doing my best to find the perfect makeover. Come on down, it might be you!

Hair styling: Arsen Gurgov | Makeup: Enid O

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• Try on hairstyles by Louis Licari on Makeover-O-Matic!